What Causes Steering Wheel Shaking When Braking at 120 km/h?
3 Answers
Here are the specific reasons for steering wheel shaking when braking at 120 km/h: 1. Wheel balance issue: A car wheel consists of a tire and a rim. When there is a problem with the wheel balance, it means the wheel is not in a balanced state during high-speed driving. If the wheel balance data is incorrect, the wheel's rotation center will shift, causing the wheel to shake, which in turn affects the steering wheel. 2. Rim problem: If the car's rim has been impacted during previous driving, causing it to deform. Due to the deformation of the rim, the wheel may shake during driving, leading to steering wheel shaking. 3. Chassis component issue: This usually occurs in cars with poor post-accident repairs. Due to the impact during the accident affecting the chassis components, steering wheel shaking may also occur.
This steering wheel vibration issue typically occurs during high-speed braking, often caused by warped or unevenly worn brake rotors. From my understanding of automobiles, when the vehicle speed reaches around 120 km/h, the pressure increases significantly. If the brake rotor is slightly bent or has surface irregularities, braking will create an unbalanced vibration that transmits through the wheels to the steering wheel. Additionally, if brake pads have worn unevenly or accumulated dust, they can cause inconsistent friction forces during braking, exacerbating the vibration. Loose suspension components or wheel imbalance might not be noticeable at low speeds but become amplified during high-speed braking, potentially compromising vehicle control. It's advisable to visit a professional repair shop to check the brake rotor flatness and wheel balancing. Avoid sudden braking during normal driving and pay extra attention to these components during maintenance, as even minor issues can pose significant risks at high speeds.
I've experienced a similar situation before. When I was driving on the highway at 120 km/h and hit the brakes, the steering wheel shook violently as if it was about to jump out. At first, I thought it was a tire issue, but later the mechanic told me it was caused by warped brake discs. The discs that feel smooth during low-speed braking become unevenly stressed at high speeds, transmitting friction vibrations to the steering wheel, making it feel impossible to hold steady. Tire imbalance can exacerbate this problem, especially if proper balancing checks weren't done after tire replacement. Since then, I've developed the habit of regularly checking brake conditions, avoiding overloading the vehicle, and preventing excessive disc wear. Highway safety comes first - this issue shouldn't be delayed. Get it diagnosed at a repair shop immediately; a simple disc replacement might solve it.
